Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[sgmn]

It was very muddy and misty, pictures were taken at midday but it looks like late afternoon.  Unfortunately the forecast here is for rain for the next two weeks. Hubby and I are having a lazy day today after the busyness of the last four days .  

 

 

[grapau27]

19 minutes ago, sgmn said:

Whew, all caught up. It was lovely seeing how you all celebrated your Christmas's and Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, Christmas starts for me with listening to Nine lessons and Carols from King's College . We were lucky to have both our boys and their partners with us at various times over the Christmas period. 

 

Nice family photo Sue.

Graham.

[Lionesss]

Just wanted to take the time to say thank you for all the holiday pictures.

 

From trees so nicely decorated to family and friends.

 

When I look closely at the trees as well as stories they hold  I see so many personal ornaments that must hold a special place in everyone heart, beginning with Andrew and Lisa in remembrance of their daughter, all the way to Graham with his memory tree.  So many great traditions, in fact too many to mention here.

 

Then of course all that food.  

 

And how can I forget the new additions to the thread.  Mr and Mrs Sea Dog and their new puppies.

They are blessed to be adopted by such caring people.

 

But in the end, it is what  Christmas time is all about.

Reflecting on the past with family and friends and making new memories as time goes on.

 

As for me, I truly am blessed in life and look forward to every day making it memorable.

 

Take care.

 

 

[h20skibum]

It looks like we are in for a great week in Ft. Lauderdale before our cruise.  

 

Getting breakfast cooked for everyone before going to the beach.  Yesterday’s lunch was at The American Tapas Bar.  Very good food and attentive service. A few food pictures. 
 

Crab cakes

 

Lamb

 

Oysters

 

Chicken Mac-n-cheese

 

Shrimp Po’boy

 

Our rental does have a couple of Christmas trees, but no fancy, personal ornaments. 
 

 

Last night we were at the Sand bar grill, and watched the parade of ships leaving port. 
 

 

Of course, after the big lunch, I only had room for molten lava cake and ice cream. I don’t know why they gave me 3 spoons, it’s not like I was going to share. 
 

 

Maybe some beach pictures later, but this sure beats Pennsylvania this time of year. 

 

Edited December 27, 2021 by h20skibum

[Sunshine3601]

11 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

 In the top centre of the photo you will find cheese covered pickle slices and mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese, jalapeños and bacon. 

Quite the spread.  It all looks delicious.

I am intrigued by the pickles with cheese and the stuffed mushrooms.  Do you bake them?  

[Arzeena]

5 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Had another lovely Christmas lunch today.  Had a couple of colourful & friendly visitors pop in for a visit

 

I love the birds in your pictures!

I have a great time watching the birds come to the "Bird Windjammer" in my backyard. I can watch them all day long! Ofcourse they are not tropical birds (northeast US) but very cute and colorful ones. Woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, this year I see red finches. And then the squirell wants his share too.

[Sea Dog]

11 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

That pup is going to bond for you fast if not already.

She has already become daddy’s little girl.

[Sea Dog]

Chilling this morning with daddy.

 

 

[dani negreanu]

3 hours ago, sgmn said:

We were lucky to have both our boys and their partners with us at various times over the Christmas period. 

 

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Nice family photo Sue.

Graham.

 

+ 2, but where is Molly????? 🥰

[sgmn]

7 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

 

+ 2, but where is Molly????? 🥰

She stayed for the first two shots but got fed up by the third. Gary was using the time delay on his Samsung. The first two times he only set five secs, third was a winner with 10sec delay 

Here's a pic of her on our walk in the woods today, another extremely muddy walk 

Gary got her to walk the plank (tree trunk)

It's at an angle over the pond.  Kids love climbing it, dogs not so much ...

Edited December 27, 2021 by sgmn

[Sea Dog]

15 minutes ago, sgmn said:

She stayed for the first two shots but got fed up by the third. Gary was using the time delay on his Samsung. The first two times he only set five secs, third was a winner with 10sec delay 

Here's a pic of her on our walk in the woods today, another extremely muddy walk 

Gary got her to walk the plank (tree trunk)

It's at an angle over the pond.  Kids love climbing it, dogs not so much ...

Love this photo.

[h20skibum]

The waves are very calm this morning, and the beach is not crowded. 

 

Two of the grandkids were up, but that west coast boy was still sleeping. 
 

 

I remember taking a photo like this of my grandson on his first encounter with the ocean, about 6 years ago. 
 

 

Somebody brought out the big sand toys. 
 

 

Our rental seems to be well equipped. 😂

 

 

I do like the shower in our rental master bath.  The whole house is very modern.  However, no one can get use to the square toilets. 
 

 

 

 

[jagsfan]

13 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

The last out our small family gatherings happened today.  We watched 3 of the Vacation movies and grazed on snacks. 

 

Homemade nacho dip, veggies, jumbo shrimp, and a cheese and meat plate. In the top centre of the photo you will find cheese covered pickle slices and mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese, jalapeños and bacon. 
 

 

 

Homemade spring rolls, pot stickers and dumplings with a pineapple sauce. 

 

 

Hot homemade buns, warmed Brie, bits and bites, handmade meatballs in the crockpot and grandma baked sweet goods. There was no meal, but we are fully stuffed.

 

My very favorite type of meal!

Cheese covered pickles is a new one on me. Do they taste like a cheeseburger without the burger?

It all looks really good to me!

[helen haywood]

Sea Dog, congratulations on your new family members!!  If only we could share puppy breath!!

[jagsfan]

6 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Had another lovely Christmas lunch today.  Had a couple of colourful & friendly visitors pop in for a visit

Oz has such a variety of beautiful birds!

[dani negreanu]

11 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

However, no one can get use to the square toilets. 

 

Nice digs. Indeed the shower looks very "cosy".... but the square toilet and the weird lamp... the jury is still out 😉

[DaniDanielle]

5 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

 

+ 🌈

So wonderful 

[DaniDanielle]

Love the can opener, not the square toilet'!!!!!!!!!

[jagsfan]

5 hours ago, sgmn said:

 

https://www.classiccornishhampers.co.uk/blog/cream-tea/what-is-the-difference-between-british-scones-and-american-biscuits/

 

 

I think of scones as being a little more dense (firm?) than American biscuits.  
Especially southern biscuits which are light and fluffy. 
Warm scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam take me to my happy place!

[jagsfan]

2 hours ago, h20skibum said:

It looks like we are in for a great week in Ft. Lauderdale before our cruise.  

 

Getting breakfast cooked for everyone before going to the beach.  Yesterday’s lunch was at The American Tapas Bar.  Very good food and attentive service. A few food pictures. 
 

Crab cakes

 

Lamb

 

Oysters

 

Chicken Mac-n-cheese

 

Shrimp Po’boy

 

Our rental does have a couple of Christmas trees, but no fancy, personal ornaments. 
 

 

Last night we were at the Sand bar grill, and watched the parade of ships leaving port. 
 

 

Of course, after the big lunch, I only had room for molten lava cake and ice cream. I don’t know why they gave me 3 spoons, it’s not like I was going to share. 
 

 

Maybe some beach pictures later, but this sure beats Pennsylvania this time of year. 

 

I would love to be in your shoes right now!

Your Tapas bar meal looks really good, the weather will be great, and even the semi naked tree is a treat. 
 

[h20skibum]

11 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Nice digs. Indeed the shower looks very "cosy".... but the square toilet and the weird lamp... the jury is still out 😉

There is one of those lamps in the master bedroom too.  It seems out of place with the rest of the house style. 
 

Susan does like this lamp over the kitchen island, but it would never work in our house.  

 

Excuse the mess, but there are 9 of us living here this week. 

 

[h20skibum]

13 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

Your Tapas bar meal looks really good, the weather will be great, and even the semi naked tree is a treat. 

The grandkids brought a lot of stuffed animals with them. They have been decorating one tree that has no ornaments 😂😂

[cruisingpeople]

Greg, That is fantastic that Lizzie is going to have an "playmate" to grow up with. She looks very content in your arms. I am sure that she and Charlie are going to give you and your family many years of Joy, Happiness and Love.

 

Joe

[dani negreanu]

44 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

Excuse the mess, but there are 9 of us living here this week. 

 

What mess? I "don't c" no mess... "I've seen" people enjoying their vacay...😁

 

BTW, I thoroughly like the kitchen cabinets and the island. And the lamp.

[Ozark_Kid]

This is a shirt that Sharon’s dad used to wear. For sweet memories they made some of his shirts into pillows.

 

Edited December 27, 2021 by Ozark_Kid